AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5205, 23 October 1878, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

fPEit s.s. Ringarooma at the Bluff.]

Melbourne, October lGth. The Reform Bill has reached the Council, where it was read a first time yesterday on the motion of Sir Charles Sladen; but no order was made for its second reading. It is evident that the Council intend to adopt the same tactics as the Assembly, where the Council's Reform Bill remains hung up since tho first leading was moved by Mr Berry. Mr Cuthbert, who some months ago resigned as a member of the Cabiuet, still acts as representative of the Government in the Council, and advocates all their measures, except this particular one of reform. The business in the Assembly has principally been ot local interest. There are some hopes that the session may be brought to a close some time in November. A telegram had been received from the Chairman of the Associated Banks in London, stating that as the money market is easier, there is a probability of floating a two or perhaps three million loan, if the Government undertake not to introduce any further loan for twelve months at least. The banks also suggest that the time and the minimum be left to their discretion, acting with tho Agent-General. The Loan Bill for

five millions has now passed, and the debentures will be sent Home by the next mail. The cable duplication question has been settled so far as the Cable Company is concerned. They have accepted all the terms, and it only remains for Messrs Berry and Burns to

sign the contract on behalf of their respective Governments; but it is believed that the New Zealand subsidy will first have to be decided, and terms arranged for a reduction for Press rates over the New Zealand cable.

The Lands Commission, some time since, found that Mr A. C. Allan, Assistant Surveyor-Gene-ral, had been guilty of dummying land, and the matter having been brought before the Cabinet, he is to be allowed to resign. A charge of embracery or tampering with jurors is at present before the Police Court, in which David Henry, a well-known moneylender, is the principal defendant. Despatches received by the Governor contain the opinions of the law officers on the question of payment on the authority of the Assembly, as recommended by the Government here during the crisis. The law officers recognise an appropriation under the 45th clause of the Constitution Act, but state the Governor was not justified in signing warrants on the authority of the Lower House alone.

Bishop Salwyn, of Melanesia, was a passenger to England by the Garonne. The weather has been very variablo, great heat being followed by sharp cold. During Monday night and yesterday there were violent squalls, with hail showers.

Business still continues dull, but a little improvement is noticeable. A large number of the Cup horses have arrived from the other Colonies, but there is little betting and no alteration in the odds. " Henry V." is falling off at the Royal, having nearly run its course. Sam Emery and Wybert Reeve, two comedians, arrived per Chimborazo. Miss Ada Ward was also a passenger from the Cape. Mr Berry and Sir C. Sladen have agreed that the two Reform Bills are to be referred to a

conference. Five members of each House aro to be appointed on Tuesday; but it is not likely that any result will be gained.